I met Katie & Mike on a chilly April day. I also met their adorable daughter and Katie’s Matron of Honor. Poor Mike had to drive his Harley all the way from Evansville, remember it was a quite chilly day. Don’t worry, Katie drove her car with their daughter. =) We started the shoot down town in Washington. Their daughter was excited to be in some of the pictures and others she just wasn’t having it. After quite a few different spots downtown, we headed to the park. We got some great shots at the park. My all time favorite was of them sitting on the sidewalk with the fountain in the background(you can see it below). At the entrance of the park on the road, I had Mike attempt to dip Katie, I thought they did just fine but it was pretty funny watching because neither one of them could stop laughing.

We eventually quit trying and moved down by the bridge. I took some pictures of Katie and Mike with the Harley and they turned out awesome! Their are certain sessions that I know when I am shooting that I can not wait to get home to edit them and this was definitely one them! After editing just a few I knew exactly why I was so excited to get to them, I was SO happy with them. Both Katie and Mike photograph great. They took directions great and were natural in front of the camera. Once I got them done they had 395 images to choose from. I know that sounds like a lot but I prefer to give them a bunch to choose from. I love when I can give a client so many choices.

And now onto the big day! Katie and Mike’s beautiful day was on September 9th, 2017 at New Leaf Fitness & Spa in Lawrenceville, IL. Their venue was absolutely gorgeous! It has a newly crafted exterior. The interior has a rustic country look to it. The attention to detail is perfect. The chandeliers were beautiful! They were made out of old looking glass bottles.

I sent Katie a questionnaire about her and Mikes relationship from beginning to their wedding day and for their plans afterwards. I am going to post some of the answers below.

What ended up being your favorite part of the day?
Before the ceremony, when my husband and I got to spend a minute together since we had already done our first look.

What did you like most about working with Kirsten Alana Photography?
Great pictures for great price

Why did you choose Kirsten Alana Photography to photograph your wedding?
The price

Recommendation
If you are wanting great pictures without the expensive cost, use Kirsten Alana Photography.

What advice would you give to future couples for their wedding?
At the end of the day, all that matters is marrying your love. There’s no need to spend thousands of dollars you don’t have just to get married.

How did you meet? Tell me a little about your story as a couple.
We were from the same hometown, but I had moved an hour away. He was friends with one of my friend’s boyfriends and they convinced him to Facebook message me. We talked all the time until our first date, and the rest is history.

Tell us about the proposal.
I found a paper on the counter describing the ring. I confronted him about it that night. Then neither of us could wait, and he threw his proposal plan out the window and proposed to me in our home plain and simple and perfect.

Were you nervous? How did you squash the nerves?
I was not nervous for the proposal. We had talked about it several times and knew it was coming. For the wedding, I was nervous about everyone looking at me, and my husband was the only one that could help me relax.

What was your wedding inspiration?
Pinterest

Tell us about your food and cake.
Cake was made by my MIL. It was all her design and choosing. We had scones and cookies instead of a meal and I’m so glad we did.

What song did you walk down the aisle to?
Endlessly by Green River Ordinance

What song played for your first dance?
Never Stop by Safetysuit (wedding version)

Tell me about some of your favorite wedding details and how you came up with them!
I liked the simple touches of royal blue with the mismatching centerpieces. Pinterest helped me with every decision.

What were some of your favorite moments from your wedding day?
My husband accidentally said “waffely wedded wife” instead of lawfully wedded wife. I couldn’t stop laughing because I had seen the YouTube video of the husband doing that and I had a hard time keeping a straight face until we got more into the vows and my husband started to tear up and then I couldn’t stop tearing up myself.

What are you most looking forward to as a married couple?
Enjoying our time together and one day having another kid.

What's next on your calendar as a couple?
Since the hurricane had our honeymoon cancelled, we hope to reschedule it for the spring.